Design theory

Acronym

Alternate name(s)

Design Research, Design Science

Main dependent construct(s)/factor(s)

Main independent construct(s)/factor(s)

Concise description of theory

Design theory involves examining and evaluating design as a concept. A
number of scholars in information systems research have examined and evaluated the concept of
design. The focus of design
in information systems is on design of IT artifacts. There
are differing opinions about what constitutes design for information
technology artifacts. Walls et al. (1992) specify two major components of IT design
theories: a product component and a development process component. Each draws
upon kernel theories (usually taken from the natural or social sciences) in
specifying prescriptive hypotheses that enable designers to evaluate whether
the product and its development process satisfy the design theory. Goldkuhl
(2004) specifies a need for multiple grounding of design theories in external
theories, reference theories, value theories, etc. Markus et al. (2002) take a
more practical view of design theories, using these theories to explain the
means– ends relationship as a practical, prescriptively causal mechanism to
justify design components.